Farmers market evokes lukewarm response

TURA: A day-long farmers market showcasing nutritious to traditional and organic food produce was organised at Police Parade Ground on Friday which, however, sadly failed to tickle the taste buds of the gourmet crazy citizens of the town.
The monthly Aman A’song (Mei- Ramew) farmers market on Friday witnessed a lukewarm response from consumers of the town as the footfall was a trickle throughout the day. The inclement weather on account of Cyclone Fani did not help matters.
The monthly market was organised by the North East Slow Food and Agrobiodiversity Society (NESFAS).
Despite the poor response, those who did visit the market expressed their satisfaction with the organic products brought directly from the village fields for sale.
Four tribal communities from the traditional Garo villages of Rangwalkamgre, Selbalgre, Tosekgre and Ganol Songma have partnered with the farmers market.
Local fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients as well as home prepared food items were on sale.
Farmers from Ganol Songma gave an opportunity to cuisine lovers to relish the delicacy of traditional sticky rice and meat “kapa” prepared with local ingredients.
“We are happy to participate in such a market event as a group,” said lady farmer from Tosekgre Grecina Ch Marak.
Adding to this was Rangwalkamgre farmer Poljeng Ch Sangma who said that such events give them an opportunity to be able to sell their local produce on a larger scale. “We hope our livelihood will be promoted through such events,” he added.
As part of the market event, a team from the NESFAS kitchen showcased a few local cuisine such as Miller pancake with strawberry and chocolate sauce topping along with banana slices and fruit made from the locally available fruit “Te’pattang”.